36 trucks stranded at Benapole after India halts imports

At least 36 trucks carrying ready-made garments (RMG) have been left stranded at the Benapole land port in Jashore following India’s sudden ban on the import of several Bangladeshi goods via land routes.

According to Sajedur Rahman, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Agent Staff Association, the shipments failed to cross into India after Petrapole Customs authorities declined to issue "gate pass" permissions.

“We haven’t received any official notification from the Indian government,” said Mamun Kabir Tarafdar, deputy director (Traffic) of the Benapole Land Port Authority. “Until Saturday, exports were moving normally. But since Sunday morning, while some goods have gone through, no shipments of processed foods or garments have been cleared. Sources indicate that 30 to 35 trucks are currently stuck here.”

India’s Ministry of Commerce on Saturday imposed a ban on the import of seven categories of goods—including garments, processed foods, plastics, and wood furniture—through land ports. The move came roughly a month after Bangladesh restricted the import of Indian yarn via land.

The Indian government says the ban takes immediate effect, reports bdnews24.com.

During the 2023-24 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported goods worth about $1.57 billion to India, with garments accounting for a substantial share. Of the roughly $700 million in garments exported to India annually, 93 percent move through land ports.

Now, industry insiders fear the new restrictions will cripple that trade.

“Exports will come to a halt if land ports remain closed,” said Sajedur. “Exporters who use Benapole and Satkhira’s Bhomra ports to send goods to Kolkata cannot switch to sea routes due to the time and cost involved.”

Abdul Latif, customs affairs secretary of the Benapole C&F Agents Association, echoed the concern: “Exporting by land is far cheaper. Sea or air transport will significantly raise costs.”

Emdadul Haque Lata, general secretary of the association, added: “Bangladesh exports goods worth Tk 100–180 billion to India annually. Most traders prefer Benapole for its accessibility and faster delivery.”

Meanwhile, Indian authorities say discussions are under way to allow imports of goods for which Letters of Credit (LC) or Telegraphic Transfers (TT) have already been completed.

According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh exported goods worth Tk 176.59 billion to India in FY 2022–23, a figure that remained nearly unchanged in FY 2023–24. The country exported Tk 115.77 billion in goods during the first half of the current fiscal year.